Mexico City to Riviera Maya: An Odyssey Through Mexican Wonders (15 Days)

Itinerary

1. 1

   Mexico City

   Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico - the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. The city is a world-class cultural hub that offers a huge variety of museums, galleries, and architectural gems, along with bustling nightlife and diverse gastronomic culture. Arrive on Saturday or some days before and take your time to explore this diverse city before meeting your group and Tour Leader on Saturday evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : walking • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City • Meals Included : dinner • Activities Included : welcome meeting

2. 2

   Mexico City

   Join your Tour Leader and start the Mexico City to Riviera Maya tour with a walking tour around the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Mexico City and a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Then, choose by yourself what to do next - your Tour Leader will be happy to give suggestions. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : walking, public transportation • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

3. 3

   Mexico City - Teotihuacán - Cholula - Puebla

   In the morning go to UNESCO-listed Teotihuacán, a fabulous archaeological zone that lies in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México. The site of the huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, it was Mexico's biggest ancient city and the capital of what was probably the country's largest pre-Hispanic empire. In the afternoon, after a walking tour and lunch in Teotihuacan, continue our Mexico City to Riviera Maya tour in Puebla. Once a bastion of conservatism and tradition, the city has come out of its colonial-era shell. Puebla retains a fantastically well-preserved center, a stunning cathedral, and a wealth of beautiful churches, while younger poblanos (people from Puebla) are embracing the city’s increasingly thriving art and nightlife scenes. Optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla • Meals Included : breakfast, lunch • Activities Included : guided visit to Teotihuacan Archeological Zone, walking tour in Puebla

4. 4

   Puebla - Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve - Oaxaca

   After breakfast and checkout, go to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve. Located in a complex system of mountain ranges and valleys, this UNESCO-listed area generates great biodiversity and different ecosystems. The region has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Mesoamerica. Exploration by car and walking. In the afternoon, move to Oaxaca City. A cultural colossus that fits to rival anywhere in Latin America for history, gastronomy, and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture, Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a UNESCO World Heritage badge. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, walking tour in Oaxaca

5. 5

   Oaxaca - Monte Alban - Hierve el Agua - Mitla

   In the morning, go to Monte Alban. Now an illustrious ruin, this former capital of the Zapotec empire served as the second-largest ceremonial site in Mesoamerica after Teotihuacan for over a thousand years. After exploring Monte Alban, move to Hierve el Agua. The location for some of the "Top posts" on Instagram, this series of spectacularly sited mineral springs is a great place to enjoy the impressive landscapes and sunsets. Afterward, transfer to the nearby "Magical Town" of Mitla. Orientation walk of the Historic Center, check-in, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Hierve el Agua • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visits to Monte Alban Archeological Zone and Hierve el Agua; orientation walk of Mitla

6. 6

   Mitla - Puerto Arista

   In the morning, move to Puerto Arista, a quiet regional beach town famous for its extensive golden-sand beaches. Once there, ride an ATV and enjoy the stunning sunset on the beach. Finally, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Puerto Arista • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : ATV ride on the beach in Puerto Arista

7. 7

   Puerto Arista - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo

   Enjoy the sea and sun in the morning and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon on a boat trip to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves, and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being forced to surrender to the Spanish Conquistadores. After that, head to Chiapa de Corzo, one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas, it is well known for its warm people and colorful Renaissance architecture. In January, you can enjoy the Fiesta Grande, one of the most attractive events in the country, declared a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Accommodation, orientation walk in a Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Chiapa de Corzo • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : boat tour in Sumidero Canyon; walking tour in Chiapa de Corzo

8. 8

   Chiapa de Corzo – San Juan de Chamula – San Cristobal de las Casas

   In the morning, move for an orientation walk and optional lunch to San Juan de Chamula, the center of the strongly independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for its unique religious practices. In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas. Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forests, this beautiful colonial city has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. Check-in, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in San Cristobal de las Casas • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : orientation walks in San Juan de Chamula and San Cristobal de las Casas

9. 9

   San Cristóbal de las Casas - Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls - Palenque

   In the morning, continue going from Mexico City to Riviera Maya by visiting two stunning waterfalls. First, see the unique cascading falls of Agua Azul, then swim in a mineral-rich pool beneath the 35-meter-tall Misol-Ha. Hereafter, move to our last stop of the day – the “Magical Town” of Palenque. Check-in, an orientation walk of the historic center of the town, and an optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Palenque • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visits to Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls; orientation walk of Palenque

10. 10

    Palenque - Miguel Colorado Cenotes - Campeche

    In the morning go to explore Palenque. A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, Palenque was at its height between AD 500 and 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. In the afternoon continue to Miguel Colorado Cenotes - two large scenic cenotes (limestone sinkholes) with a spiffy new eco-center and a private nature reserve: lunch, kayaking, swimming, and zip-lining over one of the cenotes. You can also hike along hilly, rocky trails to each cenote, keeping an eye out for spiders and howler monkeys. Evening arrival, optional dinner and get-together in Campeche. Campeche is a historical fairyland, its walled city center a tight enclave of restored pastel buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts, and well-preserved mansions. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle. • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Campeche. • Activities : guided visit to Palenque, Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, swimming, zip-lining, monkey watching), orientation walk in Campeche.

11. 11

    Campeche - Uxmal - Ria Celestun UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

    In the afternoon, after a visit to the 19th-century Fort of San Miguel in the suburbs of Campeche, continue our Mexico City to Riviera Maya tour in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-listed protected area is a gift of great beauty where you can observe pink flamingos together with a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Flamingos-watching boat tour, swimming in a local cenote, and transfer to the nearby beach town of Celestun. Check-in, orientation walk of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Celestun • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Fort of San Miguel (Campeche); entrance and boat tour in Ria Celestun UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (flamingo watching + visit to cenote)

12. 12

    Celestun - Chichen Itza - Cenote Ik Kil - Valladolid

    In the morning, after breakfast and checkout, head to explore UNESCO-listed Chichen Itzá. The most famous and best restored of the Yucatán Maya sites, it is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Many mysteries of the Maya astronomical calendar are made clear when one understands the design of the ‘time temples’ here. In the afternoon, continue to Ik Kil - arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico that was considered sacred by the Mayans who performed here human sacrifices to their rain god. In fact, in order to reach the water, you have to climb down 26 meters. The water is 40 meters deep while its diameter is 60 meters. Evening arrival, accommodation, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in Valladolid. Once known as the Sultana of the East, Yucatán’s third-largest city is known for its quiet streets and sun-splashed pastel walls. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Valladolid • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Chichen Itza; entrance to Cenote Ik Kil

13. 13

    Valladolid - Tulum - Playa del Carmen

    In the morning, go to explore Tulum - the only Mayan ruins located directly on the beach. You will enjoy learning the history behind this location as you walk through different areas of the site. You can also walk down to the amazing beach and enjoy the white sand and turquoise water, and see wild iguanas, and beautiful tropical foliage throughout the site. In the afternoon, arrive in Playa del Carmen, an idyllic place located in the heart of the Riviera Maya with fine white sand and blue-green waters, where you will always find a hammock and an umbrella to sunbathe and rest, especially on the edge of town that offers the quietest beach areas. If you prefer action, in Playa del Carmen you will find water activities such as windsurfing, jet skis, kayaking, or diving in the impressive Mayan coral reef. Accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Playa del Carmen • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities : guided visit to Tulum, orientation walk in Playa del Carmen

14. 14

    Playa del Carmen

    Free program: relax on the beach sipping a cocktail, try numerous outdoor activities (scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, ATV riding, etc.), or take a day trip to some of the nearby natural attractions or Mayan ruins. Optional farewell dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Playa del Carmen • Meals Included : breakfast

15. 15

    Playa del Carmen

    Last day of our Mexico City to Riviera Maya tour. Choose by yourself when to leave - Cancun Airport is just 50 km away and is well-served by taxis and buses. ­ • Meals Included : breakfast

Important information

Meeting point

• Your accommodation in Mexico City (exact location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
  Zócalo, Ciudad de México
  View on Google Maps

Cancellation policy

100% charge if you cancel less than 360 hours in advance. 50% charge if you cancel less than 720 hours in advance. No charge if you cancel more than 60 days in advance.